Hollow metal door and screws.

Hi!
We have a hollow metal door from the house to the garage to which is attached one of these automatic door-closing mechanisms. I noticed today that the screws have come out of the door and now unable to tighten because the screw hole is larger than the screw. Is there any way to fix this other than buying larger screws? Even if I do buy larger screws, how do I stop this from happening again?
thanks,
doris

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Hollow metal door and screws.

if the closer has to stay in that exact location, what I would do is make a template of the closer, take it to a sheet metal fabricator who could cut it from some heavy gauge sheet metal than pop rivet it to the existing door and drill and install the same screws into the new skin at least the sheet metal would be of a heavier gauge. that's one idea! more will come good luck BOB

Hollow metal door and screws.

Quote:

Originally Posted by buletbob

if the closer has to stay in that exact location, what I would do is make a template of the closer, take it to a sheet metal fabricator who could cut it from some heavy gauge sheet metal than pop rivet it to the existing door and drill and install the same screws into the new skin at least the sheet metal would be of a heavier gauge. that's one idea! more will come good luck BOB

This is going to be the best option.

As far as some of the other suggestions:

Store bought sheet metal will not hold the closer and the weight of the door.

Installing a thru-bolt system, will put stress on the opposing side of the door, which is not re-inforced, and will warp it from the closer compression stress.